Sheep scab has been identified as a disease priority by the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group.

£5million to be made available through Rural Development Programme

The BVA has welcomed an announcement by the Welsh Government that £5 million of Rural Development Programme funding will be used to eradicate sheep scab in Wales.

BVA Welsh Branch President Sarah Carr said: “We welcome this positive step towards eradicating sheep scab in Wales. Vets see first-hand the very significant impact sheep scab has on livestock health and welfare and we are delighted to see Welsh Government supporting vets and industry to eradicate this highly contagious disease.

“Today's announcement is another example of Welsh Government leading the way in demonstrating that industry and government can work together for the benefit of animal welfare.”

One of the most contagious diseases of sheep in Wales, sheep scab has been identified as a disease priority by the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group.

The funding was announced on Monday (7 January) by Welsh environment secretary Lesley Griffiths and follows an industry proposal to eradicate sheep scab in Wales.

“Eradicating the disease has the potential to deliver significant lasting economic benefits for the sector at a particularly challenging time as we prepare to leave the European Union,” she said.